On Running Into the Tower (no more escape)

These days, Proverbs 18:10 impacts me greatly. Here’s what it says in the New English Translation and Complete Jewish Bible, respectively.

The name of the LORD is like a strong tower; the righteous person runs to it and is set safely on high.

The name of Adonai is a strong tower; a righteous person runs into it and is raised high [above danger].

Previously, we challenged our approach to escape from challenge and trouble into relationships and how it creates isolation and dysfunction. In this post, we contrast how we run away to how we should run into…safe people, safe places, and safe relationships. Proverbs 18:10 says it best.

We learn first how to run into the Lord’s name. This is powerful because the Lord has many functions that are named (not to be confused with another name for salvation or deliverance) — Adonai (Lord), Rapha (Heal), Nissi (Banner), Raah (Shepherd), Shalom (Peace), Jireh (Peace), Sabaoth (Lord of Hosts), and more. Running into the name of the Lord emphasizes shelter, not escape. It is an expression of faith and trust in the only real solution to pressure and trouble and chaos.

FOR THE DESIRED RESULT, RUN INTO THE RIGHT NAME.

This verse states a beautiful metaphor. Our God IS STRONG…like a tower. He is a safe fortress, a secure refuge. Running to the tower says I trust His ability, and acknowledge His capacity is greater to BE what His name declares. Towers are for introduction as well as established relationship — I can run into a name of the Lord for the first time and experience a fresh release in the same way that I can run again and again into another name and rest in familiar comfort of His faithfulness to do this function in my life.

The name of the Lord guarantees elevation…when we run into it. Consider spiritual positioning here, as this is state of soul and heart and life (not declaration). When we run into the name of the Lord, He lifts us up out of the danger or cause we brought to Him, and we gain perspective “on high”. Isn’t that amazing?!

Follow then, this thought process in the relationship dynamic. Our closest relationships should thrive and give life like the tower. We flow in and out of function for one another and we prove we are safe (remember Jehosheba?). Tower relationships come with capacity, so selfishness chokes. Tower relationships are high, so it’s right to expect to be better and see farther and gain a larger view of life. This is mutual benefit. This is mutual feeding. This is necessary, so when we need escape we neither draw back nor hide to preserve ourselves, but we run into safety in the name of the Lord (and those who learn His way there).

Just a thought…I pray we choose to keep running — not away as an escape, but into the name of the Lord, into the tower and into tower relationships. Selah, and love to all.